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Prospective Students

The Department of English at Chapman University offers a wide array of coursework in creative writing, journalism, literature, and rhetoric and composition. Creative writers take courses in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, as well as in literature. Journalists take courses in reporting and writing, new media, editing, and literature. Literary scholars study literature of different periods, different genres, and various topics and authors.

The conversation among English students and faculty extends beyond the classroom, too. The department supports a variety of additional opportunities in the form of an active chapter of Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society), Calliope (student literary journal), The Panther (student newspaper), Prowl (student online magazine), Tabula Poetica (international poetry journal) and The John Fowles Center for Creative Writing (creative writing research center) and others.

Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate Minors

Graduate Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

The BA degree is earned under the guidance of faculty advisors. BA students complete a program in one of two areas of study: Literature, Composition & Rhetoric or Journalism. Each student is required to complete 15 credits of core classes in addition to 27 credits of elective courses.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing

The BFA degree combines literature courses and writing workshops to explore students’ talents as creative writers. It includes a focus on the study of important literary works.

For further information, visit one of the links below:

Minor in English

This minor requires a total of 18 credits in English courses above ENG 104, with at least 9 upper-division credits. It may be combined with any undergraduate major outside the Department of English. To view a list of courses, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

Minor in Journalism

This minor requires a total of 21 credits in English courses above ENG 104, with at least 12 upper-division credits. It may be combined with any undergraduate major outside the Department of English. To view a list of courses, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

Minor in Writing & Rhetoric

This minor requires a total of 21 credits in English, 15 of which must be upper division courses. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the field of rhetorical studies, and explore a variety of methodological approaches to the study of language and writing. To view a list of courses, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

This minor requires a total of 24 credits in English and Art Department courses that explore the practice, history, and theory of design, photography, videography, editing, and journalism. At least 12 of these credits must be upper division. The minor is open to all students except those earning a B.A. or B.F.A in English, those minoring in Journalism, or those seeking a B.F.A. in Art or Graphic Design. To view a list of courses, visit the Undergraduate Catalog.

Minor in a Particular Area of Study

Students who wish to design a minor focused on a particular area of study must speak with an advisor in the English Department. For a referral to an appropriate advisor, contact the Department Office.

For further information, visit one of the links below:

Wilkinson College currently offers three master’s level degrees in English: an MFA in creative writing, an MA in English, and a dual degree in English and creative writing.

Master of Arts (MA) in English

The MA degree is designed for students seeking continuing education, a foundation for doctoral work (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D.), and/or a credential qualifying them to teach literature and composition courses at junior and community colleges.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing

The MFA is a terminal degree in creative writing. Many MFA graduates teach at two- and four-year colleges, publish their work, or go on to professional careers in writing and editing. The MFA program at Chapman fosters the growth of fiction writers and poets through workshops, techniques courses, literature courses, The John Fowles Reading Series, Tabula Poetica: Poetry Center at Chapman University, and the literary journal Calliope.

Dual MA/MFA Degree

The dual degree combines the MFA and the MA. The dual degree combines the practice and study of creative writing with literary scholarship. It is designed for students who intend to pursue a career in teaching English and creative writing at the university, community college or secondary-school level.

Obtain your graduate degree with just ONE additional year of study! You’ll be able to complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years, 4 years of undergrad study + 1 year of graduate work.

Programs offered:

4+1 Integrated Undergraduate/Master of Arts in English

Requirements for the 4+1 programs are:

Must be an undergraduate student with 90+ units of undergrad coursework completed, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0+